Engine idle speed check (Every 6000 miles (10 000 km) or 6 months)

Caution: Refer to the
precautions in Section 1,
Chapter 4, Part A or B (as
applicable), before proceeding.

Before carrying out any carburettor
adjustments, ensure that the ignition
timing and spark plug gaps are set as
specified. To carry out the adjustments an
accurate tachometer and an exhaust gas
analyser (CO meter) will be required.

Ford VV carburettor
1 Ensure that the air cleaner is correctly fitted,
and that all vacuum hoses and pipes are
securely connected and free from restrictions,
then run the engine until it is at normal
operating temperature.

2 Stop the engine, and connect a tachometer
and an exhaust gas analyser in accordance
with the manufacturer’s instructions.

3 Start the engine and run it at 3000 rpm for
30 seconds, ensuring that all electrical loads
are switched off (headlamps, heater blower
etc), then allow the engine to idle and check
the idle speed and CO content. Note that the
CO reading will initially rise, then fall and finally
stabilise after between 5 and 25 seconds.

5 Checking and adjustment should be
completed within 30 seconds of the meter
readings stabilising. If this has not been
possible, repeat paragraphs 3 and 4, ignoring
the reference to starting the engine.

Weber 2V carburettor
Models without stepper motor
6 Proceed as described for the Ford VV
carburettor but note the following:
7 It is permissible to loosen the air cleaner
securing screws to allow easier access to the
carburettor adjustment screws but ensure
that all vacuum hoses and pipes are securely
connected. For adjustment screw location
(see illustrations).

Models with stepper motor (ESC II
system)
8 The idle speed is controlled by the ESC II
module via the stepper motor. The only idle
speed adjustment possible is provided by the
“idle speed adjustment” wire, which can be
earthed to raise the idle speed by 75 rpm. No
other method of idle speed adjustment should
be attempted. If the idle speed is incorrect,
the problem should be referred to a Ford
dealer, as the problem probably lies in the
ESC II module for which special diagnostic
equipment is required.

Weber 2V TLD carburettor
10 Proceed as described for the Ford VV
carburettor, noting the following points:
11 Ensure that the vacuum pipe and the
camshaft cover breather hose are securely
connected to the air cleaner and are free from
restrictions.

12 When warming-up the engine, run the
engine until the cooling fan cuts in.

13 For adjustment screw location (see
illustration).

15.13 Weber 2V TLD carburettor adjustment screw locations

A Idle mixture screw B Idle speed screw

Fuel injection
2.0 litre SOHC models
14 Idle speed is controlled by the EEC IV
module and the only means of adjustment
provided is by the yellow “idle speed
adjustment” wire (Chapter 5, Section 17) which
allows the idle speed to be raised by 75 rpm.

2.0 litre DOHC models
15 Idle speed is controlled by the EEC IV
module, and manual adjustment is not
possible.

16 The “base” idle speed can be adjusted,
but only by a Ford dealer, using special
equipment.

See also:

Fuel quality - Diesel
Note: We recommend that you use only
high quality fuel without additives or other
engine treatments.
WARNING:
Do not mix diesel with oil, petrol or
other liquids. This could cause a
chemical rea ...

Disarming the alarm
The anti-theft alarm system can be
deactivated at any time – even when the
alarm is sounding – by unlocking the
vehicle from the outside.
The anti-theft alarm system for the tailgate
is deactivat ...